What does "therefore" mean?

Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.

What is a synonym for "therefore"?

Common synonyms include: consequently, hence, so, thus, according to circumstances, accordingly.

Therefore

//ˈðɛə.fɔː// adv

adv ·Common ·High school level

Definitions

Adverb

1
Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated. conjunctive, not-comparable
"Traditional values will always have a place—therefore, they will never lose relevance."
2
For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement). archaic, conjunctive, not-comparable
"Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"

Adverb

1
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result wordnet
2
as a consequence wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

consequently hence so thus according to circumstances accordingly

Antonyms

All antonyms

because nevertheless to that end to this end

Example

More examples

"I don't think, therefore I am not."

Etymology

From Middle English therfore, therfor, tharfore, thorfore; synchronically a univerbation of there (pronominal adverb) + for, literally “for that (reason)”. The spelling has been changed due to a reanalysis as there + fore (literally “forward from that; thence”). See also therefor, ultimately the same formation. Compare Saterland Frisian deerfoar, Dutch daarvoor, German dafür, Danish and Norwegian derfor, Swedish därför.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.